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Reducing your carbon footprint (or carbon tread mark) has never been easier. As a proud green car insurance company, we can help you break down the different families of eco-friendly rides and explain how they impact your premium.

hybrid cars and your car insurance premiums

Hybrid and other eco-friendly cars may cost a tad more to insure than standard gas-engine vehicles, particularly if you have comprehensive and collision coverages on your policy. This is because hybrids, for now, tend to cost more than their gasoline counterparts because of the complex, specialized parts and technology. And as a result, they often cost more to fix. Your insurer may take the higher cost of repair claims into account when calculating your premium.

environmentally friendly cars explained

Because of federal regulations, growing climate concerns, and ever-increasing fuel prices, car manufacturers are building more eco-friendly cars. While the complex battery or electric motor can make a car cost more initially, the investment can pay off through lower gas consumption. Federal tax incentives may also be available to help new buyers justify the initial expense.

As a prospective green car buyer, the question is: which type is right for you?

hybrid vehicles: up to the equivalent of 117 mpg

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) combine traditional gasoline power with battery-and-electric motors. This combo cuts smog production and other harmful emissions while boosting fuel economy. Beneath the broad hybrid umbrella, you have a few different options.

Full hybrids

These cars can run on battery alone, on gas alone, or on both at the same time. Popular types include the Toyota Prius and Ford Fusion Hybrid.

Mild hybrids

With these wheels, the electric motor can kick in when you're idle or coasting, although you'll mostly be running on gas. A mild hybrid has a smaller battery than a full hybrid, and the electric motor is unable to propel the car on its own. Some mild hybrids you might see around town include the Chevy Malibu Eco and the Buick LaCrosse with eAssist.

Plug-in hybrids

Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are similar to standard hybrids, but they come with a bigger battery that is easily recharged by plugging it in. You can recharge the battery through an electrical outlet or through a dedicated charging station, which are popping up in parking garages and the occasional public parking lot. Popular models include the Chevy Volt and Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid.

electric vehicles: up to the equivalent of 124 mpg

Electric vehicles (EVs) don't use gasoline at all. Like plug-in vehicles, EVs can be charged at home and at public recharging stations. Popular models include the Nissan LEAF and Tesla Model S.

diesel cars and trucks: up to 46 mpg

Another way you can help the environment is by switching to a diesel-engine car.

According to FuelEconomy.gov, diesel engines are 30-35 percent more fuel efficient and powerful than gas guzzlers of the same size. Volkswagen, BMW, and Audi manufacture several diesel models that get up to 45 or even 46 mpg.

biofuel and flex-fuel vehicles

The car industry is starting to tap into the potential of biofuels, which are derived through organic or waste material instead of through fossil fuels. Biofuels are nifty because they're renewable and can reduce greenhouse gases.

The 2 major types of biofuel include:

Ethanol — made from corn and other materials from the plant kingdom (found in E85 and E10)

Biodiesel — made from soybeans, vegetable oil, animal fat, and other recycled greases

Flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) run on a blend of up to 85 percent ethanol (E85). As of 2015, there are more than 17 million flex-fuel vehicles on the roads, including Buicks, Chevys, Fords, and even Bentleys.

Related links

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